Jazz up your iced chai latte with a splash of vanilla and pinch of love.
Ryley has been asking us for awhile to take her training wheels off her bike. We have been putting it off for a bit because, well, I’m not sure why. She is the only one on our street that has training wheels. All the other kids (all 10 of them) have big kid bikes and whiz up and down the street. The boys even have credit cards in their back wheels so it makes noise when they go by.
She just learned how to use her brakes on her bike so I was like “Whoa girlfriend, slow down.”
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All the bikes were out riding their bikes this weekend and of course the kids wanted to join in. Ryon was outside with them, so I went inside to do something for a bit. I came back out and he was taking off her training wheels in the garage. I just stopped and said “Are you ready for this?” talking to Ryon but Ryley answered “Yup!”
After he got the training wheels off Ryley thought she could just get up and go. Except she couldn’t figure out how to get the bike steady to get on the seat. She was getting frustrated before she was even on her bike.
I ran beside her and held her handlebars and tried to explain that she needed to balance herself while peddling. And then I had to tell her to peddle faster because she was too busy trying to balance that she forgot to peddle. Then she wanted me to just let her go after she started moving, but I knew she would just tip over.
She fell quite a few times. Well, almost fell. She would feel herself going down and jump off her bike before it hit the ground.
Her little friend from two doors over was there and would try and help too. It was sweet to watch her tell Ryley “Now lean this way, now balance.” She was very patient with her and even said “Let me show her how I do it” and demonstrated on her bike what Ryley should do. Although she was nice and helpful, I think her being there frustrated Ryley even more. She just wanted to jump on her bike and go and she wasn’t able to do it like her friend.
After about 15 of me trying to help and then 10 minutes of dad trying to help, she was hot, red faced and done.
So we got a drink of water and played with our Shopkins outside. I told Ryon that I think this is the first time that something hasn’t come nature to her. She wasn’t able to just pick up riding her bike as quick as she has done other things and that upset her. I know she’ll figure it out but it’s tough to watch her want to do something so badly and not be able to yet.
Ryon asked if she wanted her training wheels back on and she just took a drink of water and said “No daddy, not yet.” So we will try some more this week and see how it goes.
Anyone have like some magic bike riding wand I can wave over her? Or some words of advice on how you taught your kiddo? This is all new to me – help is appreciated!
Vanilla Iced Chai Latte
Ingredients
- 1 chai tea bag
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
- 1 cup of milk
- handful of ice
- whipped cream and caramel for topping
Instructions
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Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
I love your drink, especially as an iced version. I’m sure it comes in handy after a trial like helping to teach a little one to ride 🙂
Kelley says
Yes! It sure does Patricia!
Heather | girlichef says
Oh man, I remember those days. I feel for her…but she sounds determined – she’ll be zooming by in no time! Now, I need to kick back and watch my own kids while sipping on one of these lattes. I love chai!
Kelley says
It’s hard but I know she will get it! And yes to watching kids and drinking coffee! Is there anything better??
Barbara says
I just taught my little niece how to ride. Make the seat low enough so she can put her feet down. You hold on to the back of the seat and push her along. When she feels unsteady she can put her feet down. if your drive way is slanted towards the street, give her a little push, let her roll down the driveway. My Kate got it in three or four tries.
Kelley says
Ohhh good tip! Ryley caught on after a day or two. She zooms around now!
Serene @ House of Yumm says
Loving this drink! Nothing better than an iced coffee. And good luck with the bike riding! My hubs taught the girls, he looked up videos on how to do it on YouTube! He ended up having them start at the top of a small slope and coasting down with their feet out to catch their balance if needed. It only took a few tries and they got it!! Best of luck!
Kelley says
Ohhh thats super smart! We have some hills in a park close by. I may her try that! Thanks Serene!
[email protected] Cooking on the Front Burner says
This looks like a great afternoon pick me up drink! Great idea Kelley!
Kelley says
Thanks so much Deb!
tanya says
My 6 year old is one of the few kids around us who cannot ride without training wheels either. There are younger kids who fly with two wheels, I might be more discouraged than my daughter! I wish I had a good tip, because I need it too! I also need this chai latter! Looks so refreshing!
Kelley says
I remember being frustrated when I was learning many many moons ago. So I understand, but I just wish it was easier for her. Things you worry about as a mom, right?! And thanks so much! Its totally one of my favorites!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
This looks super yum and perfect for spring 🙂
Kelley says
Thanks so much Medha!
Nutmeg Nanny says
If it would ever warm up I would gladly drink this while sitting outside on the deck. Plus, who doesn’t love anything chai?
Kelley says
Right?! I love me some chai! And sitting on the deck drinking one sounds fabulous!
Joanie @ ZagLeft says
I remember those days well. Riding a two wheeler isn’t easy but your daughter sounds determined. She’ll get the hang of it. Having the training wheels off is the best thing. She’ll do it! This latte sounds wonderful btw. I love how easy it is too.
Kelley says
Thanks for the encouragement Joanie! She hasn’t want to try again yet, but I’m sure she will soon.
Andi @ The Weary Chef says
Ooh yum! This drink looks so refreshing – beautiful photos as well!
Kelley says
Aww thanks so much Andi!
Jen says
How old is she? The trick is to use a balance bike first and then transition to a “big girl bike”..BUT if she is older then that won’t work..both of our kiddos rode bikes without training wheels by the time they were 3 or 4.
this drink looks great!
Kelley says
She’s 5 now. I wish I had bought a balance bike when she was little! You’re right, I bet it would make it so much easier! And thanks so much Jen! One of my new favorites!
Jesseca says
Made this yesterday and all I can say is YUM. Followed the recipe to a T. Two thumbs up for sure.
Kelley says
Woohoo! So glad you liked it Jessica! Thank you for the positive comment 🙂
Alyssa says
I’m drinking this as I am commenting. Thank you so much for this recipe! I LOVE chai, but recently, the tazo concentrate has been hurting my stomach, and as much as I would love to run to Starbucks every single time I am craving an iced chai, it’s just not feasible. So this very much welcomed! I did add some splenda to mine to get it slightly sweeter, but that’s just because I like my drinks super sweet. It’s really wonderful! Thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing what other goodies you have on here! 🙂
Kelley says
Yay! So glad you like it Alyssa! Thank you for the sweet comment!
Danielle Lesperance says
What type of vanilla syrup do you buy?
Kelley says
I love the Torani brand vanilla syrup – https://amzn.to/2SHf4n5